Daybook

Outside my window...more snow. It seems I say that every week these days. Yesterday a storm blew through and dumped a fresh new 7 to 9 inches on us, which virtually paralyzed the city. Even the University got a snow day today, which is very unusual.

I am thinking...about Lent. I normally try to plan my Lent better than I have this year, but I honestly think there is some wisdom in just letting God show me what is important. I'm thinking time away from the computer would be beneficial. I'm also planning 40 bags for 40 Days.

I am thankful for...slowing down time. I get a little anxious when we have snow days every week, and I think I should have school even though my oldest is home. But I hesitate to drag the children to the table unwillingly, and so I will just relax and enjoy the days.

From the learning rooms...I'm really focusing on upcoming Sacraments -- Confirmation, First Confession and First Holy Communion.

From the kitchen...Fastnachts for dessert tonight. Fastnacht is German for Fast Night -- it's the German Mardis Gras. We usually enjoy King Cake on Fat Tuesday, but tonight were going to enjoy the German tradition.

I am wearing...I'm still in my nightgown and bathrobe -- it's a Snow Day!

I am creating...I have many irons in the fire in this department. I am still working on the rosary bracelets, and I have ordered fabric and thread for the embroidered dollies for Peach's room, and to that I'm adding 44 twine rosaries for my parish's RCIA retreat -- a Lenten project. I think I can meet my goal if I make two each day, which doesn't sound like much, but on some days will be tough to fit in. I'll keep twine in the car for those moments when I'm waiting on one of the kids.

I am reading...Sarah's Key.

I am hoping...for a quiet start to Lent. Tomorrow is also Peach's birthday, but I'm going to try to keep the home life very calm.

I am hearing...Doug having a teleconference. Because the city is snow-covered most folks are home from work, but through technology that rarely means time lost these days.

Around the house...Peach's room makeover is almost finished. I managed to get carpet in on time -- a nice local Catholic company installed it yesterday. The last piece -- her canopy -- was on backorder from Pottery Barn, but I got an email today that said it will be delivered tomorrow -- just in time. I'm going to make Peach wait until tomorrow to put the new bookcase and the new bedding in her room -- then we'll have a birthday unveiling. Very fun! I'll be sure to post pictures of Before and After.

One of my favorite things...hot cocoa and cinnamon toast on a cold, snowy day.

A few plans for the rest of the week...Ash Wednesday, Peach's birthday, and a flower fairy birthday party this weekend. That should keep me busy.

A lingering thought...

From today's Divine Intimacy:

"Mortification, and even physical suffering, is therefore a requirement of a life of union with Christ; the more generous the soul is, the more it will participate intimately in the interior life and apostolic work of Jesus. We cannot be intimate with Christ is we do not suffer with Him, if we do not ascend the Cross with Him. 'Let Christ Crucified be sufficient for thee, and with Him suffer and rest.' " -- St. John of the Cross